You should call a Legal Aid group in New York to determine what laws apply in your state. It sounds like it really depends on the specifics of your case - what is the current relationship between the father and child/ren; does the wife have a new husband who wants to adopt the child/ren; etc ...

More Questions

There's a web site that explains the process. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals.html If the veteran is alive, you will need a signed authorization form. Otherwise, to be considered next-of-kin of an Army veteran, a surviving spouse, or eldest child, or eldest grandchild can apply ...